Nursing Jobs in the US—What to Expect

Once you arrive in the United States to start your nurse job, an O’Grady Peyton International representative will greet you at the airport and take you to your housing location. Your representative will support you throughout your first week in the USA.

To begin, we suggest you meet our team of experienced travel nurse professionals who are experts in helping International nurses get settled in the US. To read our Frequently Asked Questions, go here.

Nursing Across the US—A List of TO-DOs

Social Security Number

All US residents are identified by a social security number (SSN). Your SSN is required for almost all paperwork and applications, and it is practically impossible to accomplish certain tasks without one. Your O’Grady Peyton International representative will take you to your local social security office so you can apply for your social security number as soon as possible. Each member of your family who applies for a SSN will need to show a copy of his or her birth certificate and passport. There is no charge for applying for a SSN.

Bank Account

Your representative will take you to a bank that offers excellent customer service. In most cases you will need a minimum of $100 to open a checking account and a minimum of $25 to open a savings account.

Utilities

Once you are in your residence, you will need to set up your electrical, water, phone and cable services. The process involves transferring all accounts into your name and paying initial deposits. Your representative will help you with this within the first few days of your arrival.

Department of Motor Vehicles

An international driver’s license, obtained in your home country before you leave, will allow you to legally drive in the U.S. for at least 30 days. However, to continue driving in your resident state, you will need a state-issued driver’s license. Your representative will take you to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office where you will apply for a license. Testing requirements differ from state to state, but you may be required to take a written exam and a driving test. For the written exam, you can obtain a free booklet from the DMV that covers the material on your written test. License fees vary by state, anywhere from $25 to $60.

Grocery and Household Shopping

Your representative will take you to a convenient neighborhood grocery store. All stores accept traveler’s checks with a form of photo identification, such as a passport. You will find most foods relatively inexpensive, with a wide range of products to choose from. You will also want to buy some household items for your home. Your representative will take you to a retail store, which is ideal for purchasing electrical equipment, crockery, pots, pans and other everyday items for your apartment at very reasonable prices.

Purchasing a Car

While major cities in the United States have reliable public transportation systems, you will likely need a car to get to and from work. Your O’Grady Peyton International representative will offer guidance and advice to help you find the right car for your needs. Used cars in the United States are relatively inexpensive compared to many other countries. Since you probably will not be able to obtain credit in the United States right away (even if your credit is well established at home, it doesn’t count in United States), you should plan on buying a used vehicle and have the full-cash amount for the purchase. Your local representative will take you to a reputable dealer to find the right car. Another option is to buy a car through O’Grady Peyton International’s car purchase partner, International Auto Source. This reputable company is experienced at working with international clients and can help you find the right car for your needs that is also within your budget. Your O’Grady Peyton International representative can answer any questions you have about your car purchase. If you prefer, you can rent a car for a few weeks using your overseas credit card. This will allow you time to become familiar with the car-buying process and to find the best deal.